Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh has voted against the government on a Sinn Féin motion supporting striking fire fighters.
Deputy McHugh supported calls from the main opposition party to urgently engage with retained firefighters who began strike action this week.
The government tabled a counter motion which Deputy McHugh voted against on Wednesday evening.
The coalition won the vote by 71 to 62 votes.
Speaking to the Independent.ie, Deputy McHugh said he voted against the government as he is concerned from both a recruitment and retention point of view.
Deputy McHugh already lost the Fine Gael whip over the defective concrete block controversy and has said he will not contest his seat in the next election.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)